Liam Byrne: two-day suspension approved for MP found to have bullied staff member

The MP has apologised for his conduct against his former staff member
Joe Forte
By Joe Forte
Published 12th May 2022, 09:58 BST
Updated 12th May 2022, 09:58 BST

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A senior Labour MP has been suspended from the House of Commons for two days for bullying a member of staff.

Ex-cabinet minister Liam Byrne was found to have ostracised former staff member David Barker between March 20 and the end of July 2020.

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This followed a dispute between the Hodge Hill MP Mr Byrne and Mr Barker at the Birmingham Hodge Hill constituency office which prompted the MP to send the complainant home.

Labour MP Liam Byrne has been suspended from the House of Commons after he was found to have bullied a former assistant. (Credit: PA)Labour MP Liam Byrne has been suspended from the House of Commons after he was found to have bullied a former assistant. (Credit: PA)
Labour MP Liam Byrne has been suspended from the House of Commons after he was found to have bullied a former assistant. (Credit: PA)

Parliamentary commissioner for standards Kathryn Stone upheld a single allegation of bullying against Mr Byrne following a complaint made under Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

Mr Byrne later said he was “profoundly sorry” and had apologised.

On Wednesday evening, MPs approved a motion to suspend Mr Byrne from the Commons on Thursday and Monday May 16.

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Mr Byrne’s salary will also be withdrawn for two days, the motion added.

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